Gilbride Pharmacy presents the Combined Hepatitis A and B Vaccine, ensuring your protection during travel. Plan ahead by getting vaccinated at least five weeks before your journey, and let us tailor a vaccine schedule based on your age and travel plans, potentially requiring 3 or 4 doses for full coverage. Our skilled pharmacists will determine the most suitable schedule for you.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that inflames the liver and is typically transmitted through contaminated food and water. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 1.4 million cases of hepatitis A occur worldwide each year.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that spreads through contact with infected blood and bodily fluids. This highly contagious virus is often transmitted through sexual activity or direct blood contact with an infected individual. It's essential to note that hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV.
Countries at Risk
While hepatitis A and B can affect individuals globally, they are most prevalent in developing nations with inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices, particularly in Africa, Asia and South & Central America.
Symptoms
Individuals who contract hepatitis A or B may experience flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, general aches, fever and headaches. In some cases, the virus can infect the liver, leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Travel Safely
For travellers venturing beyond Europe, especially to regions where hepatitis A and B are prevalent, we recommend essential vaccinations. These include Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio (DTP) vaccines. If your travels involve regular visits to developing countries or extended stays, considering the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine is prudent. Additionally, travellers heading to rural areas of developing nations may want to explore the cholera vaccine (Dukoral), which also provides protection against common travellers' diarrhoea caused by E coli. Dukoral is administered orally in two doses, one week apart.
While the risk to short-term travellers is relatively low, the level of risk varies based on your activities and behaviour during your trip. Individuals seeking medical or dental treatment, acupuncture, piercings, tattoos or those participating in contact sports face a higher risk of exposure.
Course Details
Administration is simple with an injection in the upper arm. Common side effects include pain or redness at the injection site, along with fever, headache and digestive issues. The vaccine is suitable for children aged 12 months and older.
Consider the accelerated course for a quicker option. This involves three doses before travel and a fourth dose 12 months later to complete the course. The second dose is administered one week after the first, and the third dose is given two weeks after the second.
Upon completing the full course, enjoy 25 years of protection against Hepatitis A and 5 years against Hepatitis B. If your risk persists after this period, booster shots may be necessary.
Visit Us
For more information on the Combined Hepatitis A and B vaccination and other travel-related health services, choose Gilbride Pharmacy as your preferred destination. Feel free to contact us via your local branch's dedicated page or drop by at your convenience.